Obituary: 'American Visionary' Had Family in Basking Ridge

Editor's Note: The following obituary was submitted by funeral director Marshall Donnelly Combs, 201 25th Ave., North, Nashville, Tenn., 37203.

Americana visionary John Mark Wehner, III, died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, after a brief illness.

He is survived by beloved wife, Mary Leland (Henry), children Amanda Atterbury Wehner, John Phillip Wehner, John Wallace Kinloch, Camille Loitte Kinloch and William Wallace Kinloch, and sister Meredith Wehner Luckewicz (Michael T.) of Basking Ridge, NJ.

Wehner is preceded by his parents, Margaret Louise Kline Wehner and John Mark Wehner, Jr. A loving and devoted husband and father, Mark graduated from Radnor High School and Wesley College where he was president of the student body. Mark was passionate about many things and lived his life with honor and integrity in all that he did. As founder and owner of the prestigious radio show "Americana Tonight," he fostered and nurtured the career of hundreds of musicians and singers, many of whom went on to achieve national acclaim. He was always a champion of the underdog and worked tirelessly to help young talent and friends.

An avid gardener, Mark had a green thumb and worked wonders with gardens and plants. In addition, he was a gourmet cook who loved to entertain family and friends at home. Mark's generosity to others was endless, as evidenced by the Christmas day he drove around Nashville dispensing $100 bills to sellers of The Contributor, Nashville's homeless newspaper. He was an active volunteer and fundraiser for Eakin and Harpeth Hall schools, and delighted in the activities of his children and friends. Mark left a legacy of kindness, humor and generosity wherever he went.

Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13th at Marshall Donnelly Combs. [in Nashville] A funeral service in celebration of Mark's life will be held on Wednesday, September 14th at 11:30 a.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church. Active pallbearers include: Jack Kinloch, Jay Wehner, Mark Robinson, Mervyn Louque, Jon Byrd and Edward Lewis. Honorary pallbearers are: Senator Douglas S. Henry, Kevin Moser, Brad Pendleton, Martin Thompson, Andrew McMahon, Henry Choisser, Michael Webb, Arthur Godfrey and Dan Frizsell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alive Hospice.